A new study has found a surprising and important link between low levels of vitamin B12 and chronic inflammation, a condition that plays a role in many serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and brain-related disorders.
The research was published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. It explored how vitamin B12 levels affect inflammation in both people and mice. The scientists focused on two key signs of inflammation: interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). These two markers rise when inflammation is present in the body.
Although past studies suggested that vitamin B12 might help reduce inflammation, the exact relationship was not clear. This new research offers stronger evidence that vitamin B12 can play a role in lowering inflammation.
The scientists looked at data from the PREDIMED clinical trial in Spain, which originally studied the Mediterranean diet’s effect on heart health. They found that people with higher levels of vitamin B12 in their blood tended to have lower levels of inflammation.
This is important because it suggests that getting enough vitamin B12 could help protect us from chronic inflammation and the diseases it can cause. While the study didn’t focus only on people who were low in B12, it still showed that higher levels of this vitamin were linked to better health.
Vitamin B12 is already known to be important for the brain and nerves. A lack of it can cause symptoms like tiredness, memory problems, and nerve damage. This study adds to what we know by showing that low B12 might also increase inflammation, which can silently damage the body over time.
The researchers plan to continue their work. They want to study more people, compare men and women, and look at how conditions like obesity, infections, and irritable bowel syndrome may affect the link between B12 and inflammation.
They also noticed some differences between how humans and mice react to B12 levels, especially in older age. These findings may help scientists figure out how to better prevent B12 deficiency in the elderly.
This research is another reminder of how important our diet is for our health. A simple nutrient like vitamin B12, found in foods like meat, eggs, and dairy, could play a big role in preventing inflammation and serious diseases. Paying attention to our vitamin levels could be a powerful step toward better health.
If you care about inflammation, please read studies about turmeric: nature’s golden answer to inflammation, and what to eat to reduce chronic Inflammation.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how a plant-based diet could help ease inflammation, and Vitamin D deficiency linked to increased inflammation.
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